Australia captain Michael Clarke said his team were fully recharged as they prepared to depart Sydney for their upcoming tour of Zimbabwe on Wednesday. After few month’s rest, the Australians will be going to play international cricket. Clarke also expected a tough series in Zimbabwe against the hosts and South Africa.

Australia will play a Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) later in October after this series in Zimbabwe. Though all matches have been scheduled to be played at the Harare Sports Club, the first game between Australia and Zimbabwe has been set to be played at August 25. Prior to this series Zimbabwe is taking on South Africa in a one-off Test match in Harare before the two teams embark on a three-match ODI series in Bulawayo.

The last time that Australia toured Zimbabwe it was way back in 2004 when they clinched the three-match ODI series 3-0 and had current coach Darren Lehmann as their star performer. And for the record Australia and Zimbabwe had also clashed in the group stages of ICC World Cup 2011 in India and have not played a Test between them for 12 years. Michael Clarke expects tough challenge

Australia tour of Zimbabwe matches schedule:

First ODI, August 25: Zimbabwe vs Australia

Second ODI, August 27: South Africa vs Australia

Third ODI, August 29: Zimbabwe vs South Africa

Fourth ODI, August 31: Zimababwe vs Australia

Fifth ODI, September 2: South Africa vs Australia

Sixth ODI, September 4: Zimbabwe vs South Africa

September 6: Final

First Published on August 21, 2014 4:27 PM ISTLast updated on August 21, 2014 4:27 PM IST